*Punjab Govt To Take All Legal, Constitutional Steps For Release Of Bandi Sikhs Languishing In Jail: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Issue Of Bandi Sikhs Cannot Remain Unresolved Indefinitely: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Steps Which Should Have Been Taken Years Ago But Were Not Taken Will Now Be Pursued On Priority:CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab Govt Will Make Every Effort Within Law To Secure Justice: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH; 6th October 2026:
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday asserted that the long-pending issue of Bandi Sikhs languishing in jails cannot be allowed to remain unresolved indefinitely, assuring the four-member committee constituted by the Bandi Singh Insaaf Morcha that the state government will take all possible legal and constitutional steps for an early resolution. During his meeting with the committee, comprising Gurdeep Singh Bathinda, Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur, Pal Singh France and Balwinder Pal Singh, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that legitimate steps which should have been taken years ago but were not taken will now be pursued on priority, reiterating that the Punjab Government stands firmly with justice.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “I had an important meeting with the four-member committee formed by the Bandi Singhs Insaf Morcha, comprising S. Gurdeep Singh Bathinda, Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur, S. Pal Singh France and S. Balwinder Pal Singh. I listened carefully to the views and appeal of the committee members regarding the release of the Bandi Singhs. I assured the committee that the Punjab Government is committed to finding an appropriate solution to this issue at the earliest. The Punjab Government will take on priority the legitimate and legal steps that previous governments failed to take for years, so that this matter can be resolved at the earliest. The Punjab Government has always stood firmly with justice. Inquilab Zindabad.”
During the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I listened carefully to their views and appeal regarding the release of Bandi Sikhs. The issue of Sikh prisoners languishing in various jails across the country, even after completion of their sentences, cannot be allowed to remain unresolved indefinitely. It is an emotive and sensitive issue for everyone. I have assured the committee that the Punjab Government is committed to pursuing every legitimate, legal and constitutional avenue available to facilitate an appropriate and early resolution of this matter.”
The Chief Minister pointed out, “For years, several legitimate steps pertaining to this issue remained pending despite successive governments being in a position to take them. The steps which should have been taken years ago but were not taken will now be pursued on priority.”
He said, “We will take these steps strictly within the framework of the Constitution and the law. This issue involves matters of justice, humanity and the rights of individuals who have already undergone prolonged periods of incarceration.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed, “The Punjab Government will approach this matter with sensitivity and responsibility, while fully respecting the constitutional and legal framework. We will make every possible effort within the law and the Constitution to find a meaningful and expeditious resolution to the issue of Bandi Sikhs.”
“My government will not shy away from taking difficult but necessary steps when it comes to securing justice through lawful means. The Punjab Government has always stood firmly with justice and will continue to work towards resolving every legitimate issue concerning the people of Punjab through democratic, constitutional and legal means,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
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*Dharam Yudh Morcha Delegation Meets CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Seeks SIT Probe Into Sexual Assault Case Against SGPC Member Amarjit Singh Chawla*
*Earlier, Sikh Institutions Had Also Met CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Seeking SIT Probe Into Amarjit Singh Chawla Case*
*SIT To Conduct In-Depth Probe Into Sri Anandpur Sahib Incident; No Leniency For Perpetrators Of Heinous Crimes, Exemplary Punishment To Be Ensured: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Law Will Take Its Course, No One Will Be Allowed To Interfere With Justice: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*No Unnecessary Delay In SGPC Elections, All Legitimate Steps Will Be Pursued: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab Govt Committed To Justice, Timely Probe And Resolution Of Issues Concerning Sikh Panth: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH; 6th October 2026:
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday assured a delegation of the ‘Dharam Yudh Morcha’, led by Gurpreet Singh Khalsa, that the state government will ensure a swift, transparent and in-depth investigation into the tragic Sri Anandpur Sahib incident, with an Special Investigation Team (SIT) to be constituted immediately and the strictest action ensured against those found responsible. The assurance came amid repeated representations by Sikh institutions seeking an SIT probe into the matter.
At the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also reiterated the government’s commitment to holding the long-pending Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) elections without further delay and to resolving all issues concerning the Sikh Panth through timely action and due legal process.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Held an important meeting in Chandigarh with Gurpreet Singh Khalsa Ji, leader of the ‘Dharam Yudh Morcha’ currently underway in Batala. We held an open discussion on important issues concerning the Sikh Panth. We are fully committed to ensuring that the long-pending elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which have remained stalled for several years, are held at the earliest without any further delay. Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic incident that took place at Sri Anandpur Sahib, I assured that an SIT would be constituted immediately for an in-depth investigation into the matter. The investigation will be completed at the earliest, and the strictest possible action will be ensured against those responsible. Our government is committed to finding prompt and appropriate solutions to every issue concerning the Sikh Panth.”
Taking serious note of the concerns raised by the delegation regarding the case, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government will ensure that the investigation is conducted in a fair, transparent and time-bound manner. The law will take its course and no person, irrespective of position or influence, will be allowed to interfere with the process of justice.”
He said, “The constitution of the SIT will help expedite the investigation and ensure that all relevant aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.”
Assuring the delegation of strict action, the Chief Minister said, “After completion of the investigation, strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty in accordance with law.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is extremely unfortunate that this heinous crime against humanity, especially against a woman, has taken place at the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib. Exemplary punishment will be ensured for the perpetrator of this crime.”
He further said, “Such offenders do not deserve leniency and they will be dealt with as per the law of the land by meting out the severest punishment permissible under law, so that it acts as a deterrent for others too.”
On the long-pending elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s seriousness and said, “There should be no unnecessary delay in holding the SGPC elections. All legitimate steps within the government’s jurisdiction will be pursued in this regard.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Sikh Panth has a rich and historic legacy, and issues concerning Sikh institutions and the wider community deserve to be addressed with sensitivity, seriousness and due respect for constitutional and legal processes.”
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*’YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: 274 DRUG HOTSPOTS RAIDED IN STATEWIDE CASO; 386 HELD*
*— PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 82K DRUG SMUGGLERS AFTER REGISTRATION OF OVER 64K FIRs SINCE MARCH 1, 2025; RECOVERS 4198KG HEROIN, 1009KG OPIUM AND ₹22-CR DRUG MONEY*
*— 260 HELD ON DAY 259 OF ‘GANGSTRAN TE VAAR’*
CHANDIGARH, October 6:
In a relentless pursuit to eradicate the drug menace from Punjab as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police conducted a statewide Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at 274 identified drug Hotspots— the points of sale of drugs and psychotropic substances— across the state as part of the Yudh Nashian Virudh.
The CASO was conducted simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.
During the operation, police teams have arrested of 386 persons after registration of 233 first information reports (FIRs). Police teams have also recovered 4.1 kg heroin, 1.4 kg opium, 4 kg poppy husk, 4237 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 5500 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.
Special DGP Law and Order Praveen Sinha, who was personally overseeing the operation, said that the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign launched on March 1, 2025, has resulted in arrest of 82,739 drug smugglers after registration of 64,598 first information reports (FIRs) across the state and led to recovery of 4198 kg heroin, 1009 kg opium, 481 quintals poppy husk, 1750 kg ganja, 65.85 lakh intoxicant tablets/capsules, 78 kg ICE and Rs 22.58 crores drug money from the possession of drug smugglers.
Meanwhile, the ‘Gangstran te Vaar’ campaign continued on Day 259 with Police teams arresting 260 individuals with four weapons, taking the total arrests to 76,590 since the launch of the campaign. Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 229 persons, whereas, 12 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested three proclaimed offenders (POs) during the operation.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
Rs. 800 Crore credited into accounts of over 19000 farmers: Lal Chand Kataruchak
Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister exhorts farmers to bring dry produce in mandis
Anyone bringing paddy from outside Punjab to face strict action
Taking stock of paddy procurement by making personal visits to mandis, reveals Minister
Chandigarh, October 6:
Living up to its commitment of zero difficulties for the farmers, Arhtiyas and the Labourers, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has gone full throttle on its promise to ensure a hassle free Paddy Procurement Season 2026-27. This is amply clear from the fact that amount to the tune of nearly Rs. 800 Crore has been deposited into the accounts of 19222 farmers.
Divulging this here today during a meeting, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak said that till now, he has visited various mandis in 10 Districts namely Gurdaspur, Patiala, Amritsar, Tarntaran, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Fatehgarh Sahib and Kapurthala to take stock of the procurement.
It is a matter of great pride that during my visit to various mandis there has not been even a single complaint from any farmer or other stakeholders, said the Minister adding that now the payments to the farmers are being made even earlier than the stipulated time frame of 24 hours.
Further, full vigil is being maintained at all the inter State points to ensure that no paddy from outside the State is brought to the mandis.
In this connection, a person hailing allegedly from Haryana was today caught at Jalalabad bringing paddy from outside Punjab into the State. An enquiry at the department level is going on and nobody indulging in such a devious act would go unpunished, added Mr. Kataruchak.
Appreciating the officers and other staff of the department for the current smooth pace of the procurement process, the Minister exhorted them to make sure that the pace of the procurement doesn't slackens even a little bit.
The Minister while exhorting the farmers to bring only dry produce in the mandis assured them that they would face absolutely no difficulty in the mandis as the State Government is the safe keeper of their interests.
Notably, the State of Punjab has been given the target of Procuring 180 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of Paddy for the Central pool with the Minimum Support Price (MSP) fixed at Rs. 2461 Per Quintal.
The department has also ensured the arrangement of Bardana to the extent of 5.09 Lakh. Also, the Cash Credit Limit (CCL) of Rs. 42,786.68 Crore has been received for the Month of October, revealed Mr. Kataruchak.
Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department Rahul Tiwari, Special Secretary Kamal Kumar Garg, Additional Directors Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar and Ajayveer Singh Sarao, Deputy Director Food Procurement Geeta Bishambhu, & General Manager (Finance) Sarvesh Kumar.
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VIGILANCE BUREAU PUNJAB
*Vigilance Bureau nabs Sub Divisional Engineer red handed accepting bribe of Rs 30,000/-*
Chandigarh, 6 October 2026:
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Sub Divisional Engineer Agamjot Singh posted at Water Supply and Sanitation department, Kapurthala red handed while accepting a first instalment of Rs. 30,000/- as bribe, out of the total bribe demand of Rs 1,25,000/-.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a Sub-Divisional Clerk posted at Water Supply & Sanitation department, Sub-Division No. 2, Kapurthala.
He informed that the complainant was transferred by accused Agamjot Singh, SDE, to the Water Supply Scheme at village Chakkoki, district Kapurthala on 5/10/2026. As the place of posting was situated at a considerable distance from his residence, he verbally requested accused Agamjot Singh for cancellation/stoppage of his transfer.
Thereafter, Amarinder Singh, Fitter Helper and colleague of the complainant, informed him that Agamjot Singh had demanded illegal gratification for stopping the transfer. Subsequently, Amarinder Singh contacted Agamjot Singh on phone who demanded Rs. 1,25,000/-, which was to be paid in instalments. The conversation regarding the demand of illegal gratification was recorded by Amarinder Singh on his mobile phone, he added.
Unwilling to pay the illegal gratification, complainant approached the VB Range Jalandhar. Acting on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused Sub Divisional Engineer Agamjot Singh was arrested red handed while accepting first installment of bribe money of Rs 30,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses. The tainted currency of Rs 30,000/- has been recovered.
In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station range Jalandhar and further investigation into this case is under progress.
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*INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT*
*GOVERNMENT OF STATE OF PUNJAB*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt Extends ‘Bill Liyao Inaam Pao’ Scheme; ₹9.40 Crore Penalty Demands Raised, ₹7.31 Crore Recovered: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*₹2.30 Crore Awarded to 3,548 Verified Winners through‘Bill Liyao Inaam Pao’ Scheme: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt Committed to Clean, Transparent & Accountable Governance: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Consumers Must Demand Genuine Bills to Help Punjab Curb Tax Evasion & Strengthen Revenue: Harpal Singh Cheema*
CHANDIGARH, 6th October 2026:
Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday announced that the Bhagwant Singh Mann government has approved the extension of the state’s flagship "Bill Liyao Inaam Pao" (Mera Bill Scheme) for another year. He said, "The scheme has so far generated ₹9.40 crore in penalty demands (with ₹7.31 crore already recovered), added 135 new registered dealers, and awarded over ₹2.30 crore in prize money to 3,548 verified lucky draw winners across 4,058 draws conducted during FY 2025–26 and FY 2026–27, delivering substantial results on both enforcement and public-incentive fronts."
Highlighting the success of the initiative, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "The scheme has driven thorough bill verification and effectively plugged critical tax compliance gaps across the state. Through sustained monitoring and enforcement, the Taxation Department successfully detected non-compliance, resulting in ₹9.40 crore in raised penalty demands and an exchequer realization of ₹7.31 crore, alongside widening the tax net by registering 135 new dealers."
He also shared data regarding the consumer incentive component under the "Mera Bill Scheme" lucky draws, highlighting enthusiastic civic participation. He said, "Out of 4,058 draws conducted across FY 2025–26 and FY 2026–27, a total of 3,548 winners emerged post-verification, taking home ₹2,30,38,070 in total prize money. During FY 2025–26 alone, 3,080 verified winners received ₹1,98,15,980-, while draws continuing into FY 2026–27 have disbursed an additional ₹32,22,090 to lucky participants."
The Finance Minister further added that the 'Bill Liyao Inaam Pao' scheme has proven to be an effective instrument in promoting transparency and encouraging consumer participation in tax compliance. said He said, "Given its tangible success in curbing tax evasion, realizing vital revenue, rewarding conscious citizens, and broadening our tax base, we have decided to extend the scheme for one more year to maintain this momentum."
Reviewing recent enforcement operations under the scheme for the six-month period from March 1, 2026, to August 31, 2026, Harpal Singh Cheema shared, “One major case involving a penalty of ₹33,06,280 has been detected. I have issued firm directions to the Taxation Department and instructed concerned field officers to prioritize and recover the pending ₹33.06 lakh within the next month, directing that an Action Taken Report (ATR) be placed on file."
Reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann government's commitment to clean, transparent, and accountable governance, the Minister urged the citizens of the state to continue demanding genuine bills for all purchases, actively participate in the lucky draws under the "Bill Liyao Inaam Pao" scheme, and join hands in building a financially robust and progressive Punjab.
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INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB
*BHAGWANT MANN GOVT COMMITTED TO PROVIDING CLEAN AND POTABLE DRINKING WATER TO PEOPLE OF PUNJAB: HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN*
*WATER SUPPLY & SANITATION MINISTER DEDICATES RS.267-CR CANAL WATER-BASED MULTI-VILLAGE WATER SUPPLY SCHEME TO PEOPLE*
*WATER SUPPLY SCHEME TO PROVIDE CLEAN DRINKING WATER TO OVER 45K HOUSEHOLDS OF 167 VILLAGES; TO BENEFIT AROUND 3 LAKH PEOPLE*
*39 MLD WATER TREATMENT PLANT AT KANDOWALI AND MAJJUPURA TO SUPPLY WATER THROUGH 20 WATER TANKS VIA NEARLY 286-KM PIPELINE NETWORK*
*Chandigarh, October 6:*
Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is steadily widening the ambit of its efforts to provide clean and potable drinking water to the people across the State. Continuing this commitment, Water Supply & Sanitation Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian dedicated the Rs.267-crore canal water-based multi-village water supply scheme to the people, which will provide clean drinking water to over 45,000 households across 167 villages and benefit around 3 lakh people of border area of district Amritsar.
The scheme is also significant step towards reducing dependence on groundwater and ensuring a sustainable supply of clean and safe drinking water through canal-based water supply systems.
Addressing the gathering after launching the project, the Cabinet Minister said that the 39 MLD-capacity water treatment plant has been established at Kandowali and Majjupura on the Lahore Branch of the Upper Bari Doab Canal to treat canal water and make it fit for drinking. Besides this, a 285.97-km-long pipeline is being laid and 20 water storage tanks are being constructed in the villages.
He said that the project would entail an expenditure of Rs.266.95 crore and would cover 167 villages in the border areas falling under Ajnala, Majitha, Harsha Chhina and Chogawan blocks. The scheme will cover 101 villages in Ajnala block, 56 in Harsha Chhina, 9 in Majitha and 1 village in Chogawan. The canal water will be supplied to the respective villages through the pipeline network and the scheme will provide clean drinking water to around 45,343 households comprising 2,85,994 rural residents.
- Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the primary objective of the project is to reduce dependence on groundwater and provide people with clean, pure and safe drinking water sourced from canals.
- Mundian said that besides providing clean drinking water to the rural population, the project will play a significant role in reducing water-related health problems and improving the quality of life of the people. With the availability of canal-based water supply, villagers will have access to safe drinking water, laying a strong foundation for healthier and better living. He said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government is committed to providing clean and pure drinking water to the people of the state.
On the occasion, MLA Ajnala S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal expressed gratitude towards the Punjab Government for launching the canal water-based multi-village water supply scheme. He said that with the commencement of the project, people of the area would get access to clean and pure drinking water. He also thanked the Water Supply Minister and the officials of the department for completing the project in record time.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ramvir, Administrative Secretary, Water Supply and Sanitation gave detailed information about the project, saying that the problem of drinking water had emerged in several villages in the area due to elevated levels of TDS and elements such as arsenic in the groundwater. Hence, the project was initiated to provide clean and pure drinking water to the people. He further informed that after completion of the project, its operation and maintenance would be undertaken by the concerned agency for a period of 10 years.
Prominent amongst others who were present included S. Talbir Singh Gill from Majitha constituency, Ms. Sonia Mann from Raja Sansi constituency, SDM Ajnala Ms. Charumitra, Chief Engineer R.K. Khosla, Superintending Engineer Gurpreet Singh, Executive Engineer Sahil Anand, JMC LCESPL (Kalpataru) Company General Manager Rajnish, General Manager Shri Darshan and other officials.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*MANN GOVT BOLSTERS FISHERIES SECTOR: GURMEET SINGH KHUDIAN HANDS OVER APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO NEW RECRUITS*
*• 55 recruits inducted since 2022 to bolster fisheries sector & extend robust support to fish farmers: Gurmeet Singh Khudian*
CHANDIGARH, October 6:
In a continued push to strengthen Punjab's agricultural and allied sectors, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian today handed over appointment letters to two new recruits in the Fisheries Department, including one Multipurpose Fisheries Skilled Worker and one Fisherman.
This latest induction is part of a sustained recruitment drive under which the Fisheries Department has onboarded 55 officials since 2022, significantly augmenting its administrative, technical and operational strength, while reaffirming the commitment of the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led state government to bolstering the fisheries sector and extending robust support to fish farmers across Punjab.
Congratulating the newly appointed employees, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said, "Today's distribution of appointment letters, coupled with our sustained recruitment drive since 2022, reflects the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's unwavering commitment to modernising the Fisheries Department. By inducting a diverse pool of talented individuals- from Fisheries Officers to technical staff and skilled workers- we are not only streamlining our operations but also ensuring better service delivery and technical support for our fish farmers."
- Khudian further added that the department has significantly strengthened its field and administrative operations by inducting skilled professionals across various cadres and with these new appointments, the Punjab Fisheries Department is poised to further promote sustainable aquaculture practices, augment fish production and make a substantial contribution to the state's agricultural economy.
Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Mr. Rahul Bhandari said that the Fisheries Department remains steadfast in its mission to ensure sustainable development and promotion of aquaculture and fisheries in Punjab. He added that through continuous innovation, capacity-building programmes, technical training and on-ground support, the department is focused on enhancing the income and livelihoods of all stakeholders, particularly fish farmers, while maintaining ecological balance and long-term sustainability of aquatic resources.
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